A much-loved pet chihuahua whose disappearance left three young children in tears has been reunited with his family.

Chico went missing at about 3pm on Monday, March 4, from near Ravendale Road, in Gainsborough, sparking an emotional appeal that was shared around the country on Facebook.

He lives with owner Amy Louise, 21, her children Rosie, 5, Annabelle, 3, Lewis, 2, and her fiancée Rhys Freeman.

A picture of Annabelle crying at the spot where the dog sleeps was sent out at the time of the appeal - and captivated the hearts of everyone who saw it.

He's home (Image: Amy Louise)

But there is a happy ending as Chico was found in Theaker Avenue - the street next to where the family lives in White's Wood Lane.

Amy told Lincolnshire Live: "We are so relieved to be reunited with him. He was seen in Theaker Avenue at about 11.30am on Friday and two elderly people were trying to get him for us but he was scared and was trying to bite them.

"Then a woman came knocking on our door to say he's up the street and I went and got him."

All smiles now that Chico is back (Image: Amy Louise)

Amy added that she believes someone had taken Chico in but released him because of the appeal to find him.

She said: "Chico was clean so I think what's happened is that someone has grabbed him then released him because of all the publicity.

"The children are made up that he's back home."

Amy posted on Facebook that he had been found safe and well and said that she was so grateful to everyone who had helped.